Livery Horse - Stapleford the Duke

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Stapleford The Duke

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I remember the day I first saw him……………his description on the notice board read Bay Gelding Welsh x Hackney 15.3hh 9years old which I had discounted a few days earlier as it had been suggested I could be over horsing myself with this breeding. At this point I had been to see a total of approx 20 horses (that’s another story!) and they where not ‘the right one’!! My poor friends had tracked all over Essex with me in my search, huge thanks to them ( you know who you are ) Anyway, I saw his ad was still there and decided it couldn’t hurt to have a look.

So half and hour later we met his owner and off we went across the fields to get him in. I must admit on first sight I thought ‘ big fatty’, he came straight over (looking for treats, I’ll not pretend anything other!) The owner was lovely, chatting away about him and answering our questions. Groomed him, watched him lunged and ridden by owner. I felt so nervous, not of him but the situation, as I knew I wanted him before I even got on board! My more experienced friend jumped on him first and put him through his paces and popped a couple of jumps. It was all so laid back (unlike previous viewings where horses were tacked up and you rode, then seller wanted to know if you want it) and the owner made us all tea whilst telling us about Dukes mum and showing us pictures. Lovely lady! We keep in touch, she even came along to watch our first dressage test.

Meanwhile Duke is tied up on the fence chomping on hay, I couldn’t stop smiling. I took him back to his field, gave him the treats which he was looking for earlier (now he thinks I’m ok) and felt so scared walking back to the yard, this was the point it could all go horribly wrong for me. I needed to ask the owner if I could have a trial period of two weeks just to ensure we were right for each other (the last thing I wanted was to get him home and end up having to sell him on). Thankfully they phoned me the next day and agreed to a one week trial providing I got him insured and they were happy with the yard etc.

That afternoon they brought Duke to his new home, all the staff and other livery owners gathered round to see him come off the trailer (they had more or less lived the whole horse search with me!, huge thanks to you all for your advice, patience and support) I thought ‘oh lord he looks bigger than yesterday am I doing the right thing???’

That was nearly two years ago now and I just don’t believe where the time has gone.

Laurrie and Duke after first jumping competition

Duke is a cheeky chap; the ‘pony’ Welsh trait is defiantly in his character. He loves to play, chucking water buckets still full of water over his stable door was a favourite until I spoiled it and got really heavy buckets. Duke thinks everything is edible including fingers, coats, rugs anything he can get his lips on actually. One day he was being shod by Mr B and Duke decided it would be great fun to lift Mr B up by his braces! Mr B took it well ( thankfully he loves Welsh Cobs and knows their cheeky characters well ) I thought it was really funny, sorry Mr B!!!

He is also quite intelligent apparently, Duke went lame on a front leg, then hind, then front, anyway vet came did the usual flexion tests, tried rest and anti-inflamitaries all to no avail so off to the vets he went for nerve blocks, x-rays, they could find nothing wrong with him! One of the vets rode him so another vet could watch and he went fine, lots of time,money and effort later it was decided that he was just trying it on to get out of work!!!

First jumping class we entered, novice class and we came sixth (might not sound much, but believe me I was so proud , he doesn’t look too happy though does he!)

A selection of photos of Duke - click the photo to see a bigger image. From left to right, in training for our first dressage test, at the test, at the test again, tied up in yard, a crazy halloween night, and another dressage test at Norton Heath! Our first dressage test was great - lovely morning in October 05, scored 51.36% one comment from judge was ‘ nice little horse but needs to relax more, when he does he is pleasing’ maybe it’s me who needs to relax more…….

I have started researching Dukes linage and have a few photos below.

His Sire was Excellent Van Herpen H.H.S.B 1510 (Dutch Hackney)

This picture of Excellent was his last show in Holland, it was the main show in Holland, The Utrecht show. He became champion there!. Only the best Gelderlanders, Hackney’s and Friesians are invited . A gentleman named Stal Bosman original owner of Excellent for many years before selling to Mr J Chicken sent me this picture. Unfortunately Excellent has passed on to the big field in the sky now.

Below is a picture of Excellents Sire; Cambridge Cole

His Dam was a Welsh Section D her name was Crundale Pearl 76019. I do not have a picture of his Dam yet ( will ask owner ). Sadly Crundale Pearl is no longer in this world either. She was out hacking and got stung by a horse fly which made her bolt and very sadly died as a result of a collision with a car.

Crundale Pearl came from great stock too, below is a picture of her Sire ‘Cyttir Telynor’

Cyttir Telynor was bought as a foal at Builth Wells Sale, he won Lampeter Stallion Show as a yearling, was Youngstock Champion at the Royal Welsh and was Reserve for the George Prince of Wales Cup as a 3 year old. He was also Youngstock Champion and Reserve Cob Champion at the Royal of England as a 3 year old. He was twice a George Prince of Wales Cup winner at the Royal Welsh, as a 4 year old and again as a 9 year old. Cyttir Telynor has been Welsh Cob Champion at the Rpyal of England, Meirioneth County and United Counties Shows and has been a winner of the W.P.C.S Sire ratings.

Well, can you see dad or grandads in Duke? If you squint your eyes and view from a distance then you will, seriously though, although Duke will never accomplish what his linage have, I can assure you that he is the King of Kings to me!!

Laurrie has kindly provided these great details of her lovely horse Duke. If any other livery owners want their horse 'showcased' please email webmaster@limebrook.com

Duke was bred by Mr J Chicken, Stapleford Stud in Essex England. Born on 12 June 1995. (will hopefully get a picture of when he was a foal from previous owner)

Duke was bred primarily to drive, (I will ask previous owner for picture of him driving) fortunately for me his breeder was so busy he no longer had the time to give to Duke and very reluctantly put him up for sale.

Stapleford the Duke. Reserve Champion
Wix
2007

For other pictures of Duke at Wix click here

For Duke's breeding click here